When you look at homes that evoke timeless elegance, it’s often thanks to the beauty of natural stone. The material fits seamlessly in outdoor spaces, giving a structured yet organic feel to the area. From flagstone pathways to stone retaining walls, incorporating natural stone elements into your outdoor spaces elevates the aesthetic appeal while retaining functional benefits. Unlocking the potential of natural stone can create stunning landscapes that stand the test of time. We’ll explore what natural stone is, where it comes from, the various ways it can be used in hardscaping, the associated costs, and the pros and cons of using it. Greenway is well-versed in using stone for superior results when incorporating it into hardscapes in Nashville, Tennessee.
Types of Natural Stone Used in Hardscaping
Natural stone is a geological material formed by natural processes over millions of years. The stone used today is the end result of weather, climate, compression, and organic changes that accumulated to alter the material from its original appearance. Harvested from quarries throughout the world, natural stone comes in a wide range of colors, textures, and compositions. These quarries may be found in countries such as the United States, Canada, Italy, Brazil, India, and China. The geological composition and environmental conditions of each quarry influence the color, texture, and quality of the stone extracted. It’s why no two pieces look the same and why the same type of stone sourced from two different locations can be wildly different. Common types of natural stone used in hardscaping include:
- Limestone: This is a sedimentary rock with a textured feel that’s able to deflect heat and stay cool, which is great for hardscapes in Nashville. While durable, it is susceptible to acidic materials, including fruit.
- Sandstone: Created from layers of densely packed sand over centuries, sandstone is resilient to activity but needs to be sealed to protect it from water due to porosity.
- Granite: Grainy and durable, granite is a heavy igneous rock that handles high activity well. It is very heavy, which can make it difficult to work with if you don’t have a team and the right equipment.
- Slate: Frost-resistant and rich in iron, slate usually comes in rich, dark textures that can turn reddish over time.
- Travertine: A subtype of limestone, travertine has a higher ratio of calcium carbonate, which increases porosity and smoothness. While susceptible to water damage and stains, its texture resembles marble at a much lower price point.
Ideas for Natural Stone Hardscapes
Natural stone can be used in a variety of hardscaping applications, though the type of stone most suitable might vary.
- Patios and Walkways: Natural stone pavers or flagstones can be laid in intricate patterns to create stunning patios, pathways, and outdoor living areas.
- Retaining Walls: Stacked stone or boulder walls provide structural support while adding a rugged and naturalistic touch to your landscape.
- Fire Pits and Fireplaces: Natural stone can be used to construct beautiful fire features, enhancing the ambiance and functionality of your outdoor living space.
- Water Features: From cascading waterfalls to tranquil ponds, natural stone can be incorporated into water features to create a soothing and harmonious atmosphere.
Garden Borders and Edging: When used for defining garden beds, borders, and edging, stone creates a transition that feels natural to the space.
Associated Costs of Using Natural Stone
The cost of using natural stone during hardscape installation varies depending on several factors. One of the biggest is the type of stone being used. Different types of natural stone have varying costs based on availability, demand, and quality. Some are more widely available, like limestone, making them less expensive, while others, such as sandstone, can be more costly. It also matters how large or thick the stones need to be. Bigger pieces of stone typically cost more than smaller or thinner ones due to the additional material and labor required for extraction, transportation, and installation. Don’t forget about where the stone has to come from; the location and accessibility of the quarry or supplier can impact transportation costs, especially for rare or exotic stone varieties. Getting a unique color of sandstone imported from a distant location will cost quite a bit more than something quarried in your home state.
The stone itself isn’t the only factor in hardscaping costs, though. For natural stone projects, having intricate patterns, curves, or custom designs may require more time and labor, resulting in higher installation costs. Certain installation methods, such as dry-laid versus wet-laid, may affect labor costs and overall project expenses.
Pros and Cons of Using Natural Stone
Before incorporating natural stone into your hardscaping projects, it’s important to consider the pros and cons, both of natural stone as a whole and each type of stone you may be considering.
Pros:
- Timeless Beauty: Natural stone offers unparalleled beauty and authenticity, with unique variations in color, texture, and veining that seamlessly blend into the surrounding space.
- Durability: Natural stone is often highly durable and resistant to weathering, fading, and wear, ensuring long-lasting performance and minimal maintenance requirements.
- Versatility: Natural stone can be used in a variety of applications, from rustic to contemporary designs, allowing for endless creativity and customization options. The range of colors and textures opens a world of possibilities for your outdoor space.
- Increased Property Value: Well-designed and professionally installed natural stone hardscaping features can enhance the curb appeal and resale value of your home. Homebuyers are drawn to natural stone for its beauty and functionality.
Cons:
- Cost: Natural stone can be more expensive than synthetic alternatives, especially rare or exotic varieties. For those who need to minimize costs, natural stone may not be an option.
- Weight: Natural stone is heavy and may require specialized equipment and techniques for handling and installation, increasing labor and transportation costs.
- Maintenance: While natural stone is durable, certain variants may require periodic sealing, cleaning, and maintenance to preserve their appearance and integrity over time.
- Limited Availability: Certain types of natural stone may be less readily available or more difficult to source, leading to longer lead times or higher costs for specific projects.
Partnering With Professionals to Bring Natural Stone Dreams to Life
If you’re envisioning a beautiful natural stone walkway, patio, or fireplace on your property, working with professionals is a sure way to make it a reality. Greenway of Nashville has designed and installed natural stone features throughout the region for over 15 years, giving homeowners outdoor spaces they can’t stop loving. We’ll partner with you to design and install natural stone elements that meet your aesthetic preferences, functional requirements, and budget constraints.
Our free consultation helps us understand your vision and tailor the design to suit your needs, ensuring a personalized and unique outdoor space that reflects your style and personality. When we craft your hardscape, the natural stone and materials are sourced from reputable suppliers, ensuring durability, longevity, and performance in your hardscaping features. Whether you’re looking to use hardscape stone near Nashville or want something more exotic, we’ll find the ideal stone for your desires.
With us, you’ll have your natural stone hardscape completed in a short time so that you’re able to get out and enjoy it sooner! You save time and avoid the heavy lifting that natural stone requires.
With its timeless elegance, durability, and versatility, natural stone offers endless design possibilities for patios, walkways, retaining walls, fire features, and more. While the cost and maintenance considerations of natural stone should be weighed carefully, the benefits of its use in hardscaping are undeniable. Trusting seasoned professionals like us means you can bring your vision to life with expert design, quality materials, and superior craftsmanship. Let Greenway of Nashville help you unlock the beauty of natural stone in your outdoor living spaces when you schedule your free consultation today.
At Greenway of Nashville, we’re here to help you make the most of your outdoor space. Give us a call at (615) 238-4574, or complete our form so we can schedule a free, no-obligation onsite visit to discuss your hardscaping needs.
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